Beginning their rebuild, the New York Jets have begun building their defense back up. The new regime is off to a great start, retaining linebacker Jamien Sherwood after his breakout season. Now, they are shifting their focus to the secondary. After four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, New York signed this veteran cornerback to a three year/$36 million deal . New cornerback Brandon Stephens is coming off a shaky season. However, head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks are willing to take that challenge.
Jets Add Veteran Cornerback to Pair With Sauce Gardner
When analyzing the Jets needs entering 2025, the secondary was of grave importance. Entering the offseason, only superstar cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner remained of the starting defensive backs. Safeties Chuck Clark and Tony Adams entered free agency, as well as DJ Reed, who just signed with the Detroit Lions. With 80% of their core defensive backs on the market, new general manager Darren Mougey had holes to fill.
New York signed former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens
With the need for an experienced cornerback to start opposite Gardner, the Jets are taking a gamble with new defensive back Brandon Stephens. Drafted in the third round out of SMU, Stephens spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens. Although competing in a talented secondary, Stephens worked his way up the depth chart. In 2023, the opportunity to start came to him after star Marlon Humphrey required surgery on his foot. Between the past two seasons, Stephens started in 33 out of 34 games at cornerback. While he earned the playing job, his game is still being refined.
How will he fit in the Rebuild?
After signing for $36 million over three years, Brandon Stephens will be their starting cornerback opposite Gardner. The former college running back displays great speed, collecting at least 70 tackles in three of the last four seasons. While his interception numbers are not ideal with only two in 65 career games, head coach Aaron Glenn is banking on upside. The former All-Pro cornerback turned head coach will be a perfect mentor for a young veteran like Stephens. With quarterbacks hesitant to throw to Sauce Gardner, New York expects Stephens’ tackling abilities to break up passes that come his way.
In addition, if Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks can improve Stephens’ ability to read the quarterback, he can see his turnover numbers improve. With his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, Glenn helped with the development of star cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Due to his tenure as a defensive backs coach, he can bring the best out of Stephens.
As well, taking an opportunity with Stephens helps knowing star linebacker Jamien Sherwood is staying. The league leader in solo tackles (98) remains a Jet after agreeing to a three-year,$45 million extension. With 59 solo tackles, Stephens had more tackles than talented defensive backs Mike Jackson of the Carolina Panthers and Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions. A trio of Stephens, Sherwood, and All-Pro Quincy Williams could finish as the team leaders in tackles this season.
What’s Next?
Expect the New York Jets to continue to add veterans along the defense. With rumored interest in former Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, the arrival of Stephens could point to cornerback being selected later in the draft. With a need for interior defensive line help, former Detroit Lion Levi Onwuzurike would be perfect for Aaron Glenn to pair with Quinnen Williams at defensive tackle. Either man signing would mark a noticeable improvement over last year’s depth. Meanwhile, the offense can begin focusing on the run, now with dual threat quarterback Justin Fields arriving on a two-year deal. Between the arrivals of Stephens and Fields, signs of hope emerge for Aaron Glenn’s New York Jets.
